Bermuda Short-Handed Return is back

Short-handed racing between Bermuda and Newport, RI now offers yearly competition, and the opportunity has been seized by emerging women in the sport.

Sara Stone and Catherine “Cat” Hunt in a Sunfast 3300 won the inaugural Bermuda Short-Handed Return (BSHR) race in 2022, taking overall honors in an event that returns the fleet to the states after the Newport Bermuda Race. Afterwards, Stone was a finalist for the Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year award, and now is a member of the USA team competing in the Women’s America’s Cup.

In 2023, Cole Brauer was the overall winner in the Bermuda One-Two. Racing on a Class40, Cole did the solo leg to Bermuda and was joined by Catherine Chimney on the doublehanded race back to Newport. Cole parlayed that experience to compete in the Global Solo Challenge, with her second place finish likely to make her a favorite to win the Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year award.

“I have sailed with and against Cole in short-handed ocean races and she is talented and deserving of her star status,” shared Peter Becker. “We all are proud to have an American female sailor dominating the airwaves. The upcoming BSHR race is the best way to begin or advance your skills and knowledge of short-handed ocean sailing.”

The 2024 BSHR race starts June 30 from Bermuda, and creates a safe and managed environment for both single- and double-handed entries.

“The fleet is made up of like-minded sailors who are more than willing to give assistance and advice to their fellow sailors who may be just beginning their rewarding passage into the world of short-handed sailing,” reports Becker. “The event’s safety is enhanced with YellowBrick tracking, 24/7 on-call medical, weather briefing, and full shore-side oversite.”

The inaugural event, hosted by New York Yacht Club, Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, and the Cruising Club of America, boasted a fleet of 20 entrants, with details for the 2024 race found here: https://nyyc.org/2024-bermuda-short-handed-return.

Becker is an early entrant for the 2024 edition. “Now that I am a full convert to short-handed sailing, I can attest that my sailing has vastly improved, the fun is off the charts and most interestingly I now believe that the safest sailing I do is single-handed!”